If you love simple desserts with bright citrus flavor, these 2 ingredient lemon bars are one of the easiest desserts you can make. With just a box of angel food cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you get soft, fluffy lemon bars with a light texture and plenty of lemon flavor.
This is one of those old-school shortcut recipes that feels almost too easy - but it works beautifully. The angel food cake mix creates a light, airy structure while the lemon filling adds sweetness and tang.
If you enjoy easy lemon desserts, you might also like my Lemon Cool Whip Cookies or Lemon Poke Cake, which use similar shortcut ingredients but create completely different textures.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe uses only two ingredients, which makes it perfect when you want a quick dessert without a long ingredient list.
The lemon flavor is bright and refreshing, which makes these bars especially nice in spring and summer.
Angel food cake mix creates a soft, airy texture that feels lighter than traditional dense lemon bars.
This recipe is very beginner-friendly because there are no complicated steps or techniques.
These bars travel well for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 box angel food cake mix (the one-step type where the egg whites are already included in the mix)
1 can lemon pie filling (21 oz can works well - lemon pudding filling can also work but pie filling provides stronger lemon flavor)
Optional for serving: powdered sugar for dusting or fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top.
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling.
Step 3
Stir the mixture together until fully combined. The batter will become light and fluffy as the ingredients blend together.
Step 4
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
Step 6
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them firm up so they cut cleanly.
What to Expect
These bars are lighter and fluffier than traditional lemon bars.
Classic lemon bars usually have a shortbread crust and a dense custard layer. This version has a texture that is soft and airy with a gentle lemon flavor throughout.
Tips for the Best Results
Use the one-step angel food cake mix that only requires water. Some mixes require adding egg whites, which will not work for this recipe.
Do not overmix. Stir just until the batter is combined and fluffy.
Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing so they hold their shape.
If you want stronger lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest to the batter.
How to Store Lemon Bars
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but lemon pie filling gives stronger flavor and a slightly firmer structure.
Yes. The bars will be thicker and may need 5 to 10 extra minutes of baking time.
Not exactly. Traditional lemon bars have a shortbread crust and a dense custard layer. These are lighter and more cake-like.
More Delicious Desserts
Lemon Bars - 2 Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box angel food cake mix the one-step type where the egg whites are already included in the mix
- 1 can lemon pie filling 21 oz can works well - lemon pudding filling can also work but pie filling provides stronger lemon flavor
- Optional for serving: powdered sugar for dusting or fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling.
- Stir the mixture together until fully combined. The batter will become light and fluffy as the ingredients blend together.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them firm up so they cut cleanly.
Notes
Nutrition (estimate)
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